Former Tulane lineman John Leglue works toward NFL goals on Saints practice squad

John Leglue approaches each day with high expectations of himself. He attained a Masters of Business Administration in just five years while playing football at Tulane.

After going undrafted and playing with the Denver Broncos throughout this past preseason, he landed on the practice squad back in New Orleans with the Saints.

The path to establishing himself in the NFL is a daily process for the 6-foot-6, 310-pound offensive lineman.

“In the NFL you have to learn to prepare everyday,” Leglue stated. “You can ask for help from other players, but it’s all on you. I was super prepared for the demands and expectations put on me once I got to the NFL. The Tulane coaches helped me know what to expect in the NFL. I focused on the playbook and adjusted to the speed of the game. The more you can do, the better your chances are.”

Once just a two-star recruit in the 2014 recruiting class out of Holy Savoir Menard in Alexandria, Leglue spent time between offensive and defensive lines while also deep snapping. He was a state finalist for the Wendy’s Heisman as a senior.

“I only had a few FBS offers like UL and ULM. I also had McNeese, SLU and Northwestern State. I didn’t have a a lot of big offers coming out of high school, but the Tulane fit was what I was looking for, a good academic institution.”

With the Green Wave, Leglue savors his role in the rebuilding of the program. “We were able to compete each year and won the bowl game my last year there. We were also co-West division champs (in The American). We were able to turn the program around while I was at Tulane and we laid the foundation for future success as well.”

Although Leglue went undrafted, the NFL scouts recognized his explosiveness and agility. He worked extremely hard during the spring, melting his overall body fat from 24 percent down to 18. He earned a reputation for his work ethic and grasping a concept quickly. He has great upside as a pass blocker thanks to his long arms.

In 39 starts at Tulane, Leglue showed his versatility as a lineman. He made 16 starts at right tackle, 13 at right guard, nine at center and one at left tackle. It was tough having to switch positions so often in college since the footwork changes at each spot. But it taught him to be versatile, familiarizing him with every position.

Saints offensive line coach Dan Roushar likely values that experience Leglue brings. He told me during training camp that versatility is a must on the 53-man roster.

“When you’re dressing seven guys, you’re going to have to have a guy who can play guard, center or tackle. That’s an awful lot to ask of the guys. We’ve been fortunate to have those type of guys who can do that,” Roushar explained.

Leglue is focused on mastering the guard and tackle spots with the Black and Gold.

In Denver, they had me doing some center reps, which I played some at Tulane. I showed (the Saints) I could do some long snapping. The more you can do, the better. I’m here to do whatever I can to help the team win. Versatility, show them whatever I can do.”

In August, Tulane head coach Willie Fritz noted that liked Leglue’s chances to make it at the next level. “I’d say the biggest deal is he’s a smart kid, student-wise, but he’s also a smart football player. He understands what the team is doing.”

Speaking of versatility, Leglue also enjoyed success on the baseball diamond while at Holy Savior Menard.

“I was an All State pitcher,” he recalled with a grin. “I also played some first base. McNeese told me I could come there and play both sports. Tulane originally said that I could play baseball, but when I realized how much time it takes with football, especially on the o-Line, I knew I needed to focus on just football, hit the weight room hard and be the best I can be.”

Make no mistake though. Leglue misses his days on the diamond.

“Baseball, my whole life, I loved it. With my height, I came straight downhill (delivery) and topped out at 87 miles per hour. My curve ball was my strikeout pitch.”

Leglue also enjoys continuing to play his best sport in his home state.

“It’s a great fit, being back home,” the rookie continued. “Sean Payton told me how many practice squad players here eventually make the roster. I’m happy to be here. I’m able to learn the playbook. Coach Roushar is really helping me out with the playbook and all the calls. The biggest thing with me is developing in New Orleans with the Saints.”

Playing in the Crescent City also has the benefit for Leglue of keeping close tabs on his Tulane Green Wave.

“They have great athletes over there. Coach Fritz has a great staff. The biggest thing is that all the players are buying in. The previous years, everybody just talked about going to a bowl game, but we kept falling short. This past year going to the Cure Bowl and beating UL was a big step in the program. Playing in the AAC is a great recruiting tool. We showed that we can go out, compete and win. They have a great future there.”

There may be a great future in New Orleans for Leglue as well. He knows that he has to be prepared physically and mentally if the call comes.